Familial psychological factors are associated with encopresis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess maternal psychiatric symptoms, family functioning and parenting styles in children with encopresis. MethodsForty-one children with encopresis were compared to 29 children without any psychiatric disorder. ResultsHigher maternal psychiatric symptoms were found in children with encopresis. The general family functioning and strictness/supervision in parenting were significant predictors of encopresis. ConclusionsFamily functioning may be screened in children with encopresis, especially when standard interventions have had limited success. Identification and treatment of familial factors may enhance the treatment efficacy in encopresis.